USA > Vermont > Chittenden County > Jericho > The history of Jericho, Vermont > Part 1
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofjericho01jeri
1
THE THREE RIVERS OF JERICHO
BROWN'S RIVER. LEE RIVER.
MILL BROOK.
"Smooth runs the water where the brook is deep."
The History of JERICHO
VERMONT
Edited by Chauncey H. Hayden, Luther C. Stevens, LaFayette Wilbur, Rev. S. H. Barnum
ILLUSTRATED
THE FREE PRESS PRINTING CO. PRINTERS AND BINDERS BURLINGTON, VT. 1916
1127783
My Town
I know my town and I love my town, And I want to help it be As great a town to every one As it seems to be to me! I praise my town and I cheer my town, And I try to spread its fame; And I know what a splendid thing 'twould be If you would do the same!
I trust my town and I boost my town, And I want to do my part To make it a town that all may praise From the depths of every heart! I like my town and I sing my town, And I want my town to grow; If I knocked my town or blocked my town, That wouldn't be nice, you know!
Dedication
The editors respectfully dedicate this History to the citizens of Jericho; in grateful memory of the Honorable Martin Chitten- den and the Honorable Asahel Peck, highly esteemed Governors of this commonwealth and citizens of Jericho while occupying that exalted position; also in appreciation of His Excellency the Honorable Charles W. Gates, the present Governor, who in 1890 became united in marriage to Miss Mary Elizabeth Hayden of Jericho.
PREFACE.
The Jericho Town Celebration of 1913 awakened such an interest in Town Traditions, that the General Committee by vote instructed the Historical Committee to begin the work of collect- ing material for a History of Jericho in accordance with the fol- lowing recommendation :
"It seems desirable to print a book, which shall, in as inter- esting a manner as possible, treat of the town, representing in reminiscent style the growth of the town, its schools, churches, business interests, etc., sketching as may be the lives of prominent citizens, and treating also the genealogies of all families so far as accessible, thereby producing a volume of real value to posterity."
The General Committee also directed a writeup of the recent celebration of 1913, which should give a complete account of each day's program together with the addresses in full, which instruc- tion has been carried out in Part Second. The remaining parts have been worked out by the editors along well defined lines.
The sources of our information have been the Town Records, the Church Records, and the citizens of the town, especially the older generation, and information by them preserved. The proc- ess of gathering this material has been slow, for busy men at least; that of verification even more tedious, yet of supreme im- portance.
It is not always easy to spread traditions upon permanent records, nor yet to get just the truth out of the misty reports and tales passed from one generation to another.
Then again our vision may have been limited, and some really important matters may have been overlooked, because we are living in a different generation. We have endeavored to record what is true.
Fully one half the space in this volume has been devoted to genealogies or the history of the citizens of Jericho. These have been written by different writers, and in varying style, some con- taining much of a biographical nature, and are often interspersed with incidents that have the effect of breaking up the monotonous succession of dates and other facts, and rendering family history readable and entertaining.
ii
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
We sincerely wish that the number of illustrations could have been larger, but due thought and care have been exercised to select such scenes as will be appreciated for "The Old Associa- tions" and "Memories."
We desire, at this time, to express our appreciation to the numerous friends of the History, especially to the members of the General Committee and the Auxiliary Committee for their generous and able assistance. Several of the town's writers have furnished articles upon matters, of which they themselves are the best authority obtainable. It should be said, in this connec- tion, that the excerpts from the Jericho Reporter, appearing in various parts of the volume, are principally from the pen of our associate editor, Mr. L. C. Stevens. Mr. L. F. Wilbur also, who began the practice of law in this town nearly 60 years ago, by reason of his intimate knowledge of the affairs of town, and his still more intimate acquaintance with the people, as well as by reason of a particularly retentive memory, has contributed much that is valuable to this History.
Rev. S. H. Barnum, pastor of the Congregational Church at Jericho Center, although a resident of town for only eight years, has likewise rendered most valuable service as a member of the Historical Committee. The service thus rendered should be highly esteemed by the citizens of our town, since it has been a free service.
It will thus be seen that, in reality, this history has many authors, which fact, in my opinion enriches it with a variety of style and substance that will favorably impress the reader.
Some duplications occur, because of the numerous writers, but these, expressed in different language, serve the better to emphasize the incident.
In our work of research, we have been led to admire the sturdy characteristics of our ancestors ; they were good neighbors, interested in schools, churches and town institutions.
Yes, they were noble, brave and true, and more, they were good. So our inheritance is rich, the homes they struggled so hard to establish, the cattle upon the hills, the grain and the fruit, and the other wealth of the town; but the priceless part of that inheritance is the unaffected, the now almost old fashioned goodness of these early generations. Edgar A. Guest has written verses especially appropriate :
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HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Old-fashioned folks ! God bless 'em all ! The fathers and the mothers, The aunts an' uncles, fat an' tall, The sisters an' the brothers, The good old-fashioned neighbors, too, The passing time improves 'em, They will drop in to chat with you, Whene'er the spirit moves 'em, The simple, unaffected folks With gentle ways an' sunny, The brave and true That live life through And stay unspoiled by money.
Old-fashioned folks, of solid worth, On them a benediction ! The joy and comfort of the earth, Its strength, without restriction, The charm of every neighborhood, The toilers uncomplaining, The men an' women, pure and good, Of fine an' honest graining. The plain and open-hearted folks That make no fad a passion, The kind an' fair That do and dare An' are not slaves to fashion.
Old-fashioned folks, that live and love And give their service gladly, An' deem their neighbors worthy of Their help when things go badly, The simple sharers of our joys. Sweet ministers in sorrow, They help the world to keep its poise An' strength for each tomorrow, The simple, unaffected folks, That live for all about them, God bless 'em all, This earthly ball Would dreary be without 'em.
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iv
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Along with true narration of facts, proper sequence of hap- penings and exact statements, etc., there may be woven into the narrative itself, if there be sufficient skill, that which gives the life-like touch of interest; so ever mindful of the former re- quisites, we have not been altogether unmindful of the value of a joke, the exciting episode and the characteristic incident. This History, as a book of reference, will increase in value as time goes on.
As the History of Jericho is passed on to the reader it is with the hope that no one will ever refer to its pages without finding something of interest ; for the many may it prove what was wanted and to the citizens of Jericho we hope it will meet your expecta- tions. We wish the book could have been better. Later other writers may add another volume and so on in perpetuo. First then to improve our knowledge of town matters, finally to create and maintain a healthy and united interest in town institutions, and the object of this History will be accomplished.
CHAUNCEY H. HAYDEN, For the Historical Committee.
The other members of the Historical Committee feel that it is due to Mr. Hayden, who has written the preface and made little reference to himself, to add that he has not only compiled and written in his graceful style certain chapters, but as chairman has given the book a general superintendence, so that whatever value it has as a finished product should be attributed very largely to his painstaking and prolonged care. Its advocacy at the out- set, its arrangement, its illustrations, the decision of a multitude of little questions which do not appear to the reader, its supervi- sion as it has gone through the press, have imposed a burden and responsibility upon a busy man, who has devoted himself assidu- ously to what we believe is a worthy project.
L. F. WILBUR, LUTHER C. STEVENS, S. H. BARNUM.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PART FIRST-GOVERNORS AND COMMITTEEMEN.
Chapter I.
Portraits and sketches of the Governors. .
1
II. Portraits and sketches of the General Com- mittee and the Auxiliary Committee. . 4
PART SECOND-JERICHO'S GREAT CELEBRATION.
Chapter I.
The Celebration of 1841
10
II.
The Charter
14
III.
Citizens organize for the Celebration of
1913
19
IV. Exercises of August Third 23
V.
Exercises of August Fourth
37
VI.
Exercises of August Fifth
38
VII.
Exercises of August Sixth
90
VIII.
Exercises of August Seventh
101
IX.
Finalities
110
PART THIRD-HISTORICAL JERICHO.
Chapter I.
Interesting Facts from the Early Records.
113
II. Schools 126
III.
Town Poor
130
IV.
Temperance
134
V. Highways and Bridges 137
VI.
Jericho Men as Soldiers
142
VII.
Jericho Township
153
VIII.
The Freemen of Jericho
156
PART FOURTH-CHURCHES OF THE TOWN.
Chapter I.
The First Baptist Church
173
II.
The First Congregational Church
179
III.
The Second Congregational Church
205
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT. vi
IV. The Calvary Episcopal Church 211
V. The Methodist Episcopal Church, Under- hill village 213
VI.
Methodist Church, Jericho Corners
217
VII.
The Universalist Church
219
PART FIFTH-PROFESSIONAL MEN FROM JERICHO.
Chapter I. Ministers 223
II. Lawyers 230
III. Physicians 233
IV Teachers 238
V. Civil Engineers 242
VI.
Miscellaneous
244
VII.
The Higher Schools of the Town
250
PART SIXTH.
Village and Business Interests of the Town, Past and
Present
261
PART SEVENTH.
The Browns
283
PART EIGHTH-MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS.
Chapter I.
An Account of the Flood of 1914
299
II. Jericho Town Library 30
III.
Grand Army and Relief Corps
304
IV Fraternities 310
V. Snow Beauties 319
VI.
A Ramble about Town
325
PART NINTH.
Maps 341
PART TENTH.
Genealogies Arranged Alphabetically
361
Martin Chitin June
Governor, 1813-1815.
PART FIRST. BY C. H. HAYDEN.
CHAPTER I.
PORTRAITS AND SKETCHES OF THE GOVERNORS.
HON. MARTIN CHITTENDEN.
BY LAFAYETTE WILBUR.
Martin Chittenden was the second son of Thomas Chitten- den, the illustrious field Governor of Vermont, and was born in Salisbury, Conn., March 12th, 1769, and graduated at Dart- mouth College in 1789. He died Sept. 5th, 1840, in his seventy- second year, having been for about thirty years employed in pub- lic service. He was the eighth governor of Vermont. He set- tled near his brother Noah, in the south part of Jericho on the Onion River road. While a citizen of Jericho, he ever took a leading part in everything that pertained to the welfare of the town. He represented Jericho in the General Assembly eight years, was clerk of Chittenden County Court four years, Assistant Judge of the County Court ten years, Judge of the Probate Court for the District of Chittenden two years, delegate in the Con- stitutional Conventions in 1791 and in 1793, member of Con- gress for ten years, from 1803 to 1813, and Governor of Ver- mont two years, from 1813 to 1815. At the time of both elec- tions the party spirit ran high between the Federal and Repub- lican political parties, and in the year 1814 there was no election by the people and he was made Governor by a vote of the joint Assembly. The War of 1812 to 1815 was on between the United States and England which made his position a trying one. He was criticised for not giving his consent as Governor and Captain-General for the Vermont militia, as an organization, to leave the state for the scene of action at Plattsburg. He thought he was justified in his course as his own state was threatened with invasion by the British army from Canada, but he urged in- dividuals to join the forces at Plattsburgh to resist the enemy. He was a man of great ability and made a safe Governor.
2
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
HON. ASAHEL PECK.
BY LAFAYETTE WILBUR.
Hon. Asahel Peck came from a noble line of ancestors. He was the son of Squire and Elizabeth Goddard Peck and was a descendant of Joseph Peck, the 21st generation from John Peck of Belton, Yorkshire County, England. He was born in Royals- ton, Mass., in September, 1803, and came to Montpelier, Vt., about 1811. He prepared for college at the Washington County Grammar School and took his college course at the U. V. M. at Burlington. In his senior year he left college to take a course of study in French in Canada. He entered upon the study of the law in the office of his elder brother, Nahum Peck, of Hines- burgh, and soon after moved to Burlington where all of his pro- fessional life was spent. He was admitted to the bar at the March term of the Chittenden County Court in 1832. His up- right stand as a man and his sound legal judgment were so well known that he had no lack of clients. His practice grew and his legal opinions were relied on as the law of the case in hand and his clients were seldom disappointed. He continued his legal practice until he was chosen Chief Judge of the County Court for the third Judicial Circuit of Vermont in 1851, that embraced the counties of Chittenden, Franklin, Lamoille and Grand Isle, and he held that position until 1857, when a new and different judicial system was adopted by the state, and he returned to the practice of the law again. He was not allowed to remain at the bar. The people knew of his superior legal ability, and the Joint Assembly of the Vermont Legislature elected him as one of the judges of the Supreme Court in 1861, and he held that position until he resigned that office on the 31st day of August, 1874, and was elected Governor of the state the next day and held that office for two years. For several years previous to his election as Governor he resided upon his farm located in the south part of Jericho, and was a resident of Jericho until his death May 18th, 1879. He was buried in the family lot at Hinesburgh. He never was married. His leading and superior abilities were recog- nized by the educational institutions of the state. He received the degree of A. B. from the University of Vermont and was made LL. D. by Middlebury College in 1874.
GOVERNOR, 1874-1876.
GOV. CHARLES WINSLOW GATES, 1915-1916 AND HIS WIFE MARY E. HAYDEN GATES.
3
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Judge Peck was a man that the younger members of the legal profession were accustomed to go to for advice to aid them to solve intricate questions. He was one of the kindest of men and seemed to enjoy talking with the younger members of the bar on the questions of law and practice, and had a desire to help them rather than to block their road to success.
The late Rufus Choate, one of the eminent lawyers of Mas- sachusetts, met Mr. Peck as antagonist in a trial of an important case in the Supreme Court of the United States, and at its con- clusion was so astonished to find "such a lawyer in Vermont," that he went to Mr. Peck and urged him to remove to Boston, assuring him that both fame and fortune would come to him. He did not see fit to make the change, but fame and a consider- able fortune came to him in Vermont. Mr. Peck represented Chittenden County in the State Senate in 1851. He was nomi- nated as Governor of Vermont at the Republican State Con- vention of 1874, and duly elected for that office. And the state was honored by electing him as Governor of the state.
It is the consensus of opinion of the people of the state that he was one of the best Governors that Vermont ever had- thoroughly independent, prudent in every act, and carefully in- specting the minutest details of every question presented for his official approval. He was one of Vermont's noblest citizens, an able and upright judge and a safe Governor.
HON. CHARLES GATES.
Charles Winslow Gates was b. in Franklin, Vt., Jan. 12, 1856. Educated in the public schools of that town, graduating from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1880. He taught the high school of Franklin several years and afterwards engaged in mercantile business. On April 9, 1890 he married Mary E. Hayden, Jericho, Vt. In 1886 he received his first appointment from the town of Franklin as road commissioner and built a piece of permanent highway that is in excellent condition today. In 1898 he represented his town in the House, and in 1900 his county in the Senate. Mr. Gates was appointed State Highway Commissioner in 1904, which position he occupied with con- spicuous ability for 10 years. In Nov., 1914 he was elected
4
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Governor. June 30, 1915 he received from the University of Vermont the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.
His wife Mary Elizabeth Hayden was b. in Bakersfield, Vt., Mar. 12, 1860. Educated in the public schools of Bakers- field, Cambridge and Jericho, graduated from St. Johnsbury Academy in 1882, and in 1886 received the degree of A. B. from Wellesley College. She taught school at Wheaton Seminary, Moody School, Northfield and at Essex Classical Institute. Her demise occurred May 22, 1913.
CHAPTER II.
MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE AND THE AUXILIARY COMMITTEE, THEIR PHOTO- GRAPHS TOGETHER WITH BRIEF SKETCHES OF THEIR LIVES.
BUEL H. DAY, President.
Mr. Day was b. in Jericho Feb. 13, 1844. Educated in the public schools of town, Underhill Academy, later graduating from Eastman's Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He m. Mary B. Whitcomb July 3, 1866. Became associated with Edward S. Whitcomb, Jr., in business at Riverside in 1865, was selectman for 6 years, and represented the town in the Legislature of 1872, and was senator from Chittenden Co. in 1884. Mr. Day moved to New York City in 1888, and engaged in mercantile business, accumulating a goodly fortune. In 1910 he returned to Jericho. His business activities are spoken of more fully in the Day genealogy.
NOTE .- While the above was being put in type, occurred the death of Mr. Day our honored President, Oct. 25, 1915, having at- tained the age of 72 years. Great grief comes over his associates as they realize the loss sustained in his demise.
CHAUNCEY H. HAYDEN, Vice-President and Treasurer.
Mr. Hayden was b. in Bakersfield, Vt., Mar. 31, 1857. Edu- cated in the public schools, and Spaulding Academy and Essex
BUEL HARWOOD DAY. President of General Committee. Chairman of Committee on Pageant. Chairman Committee on Printing. Town Representa- tive in 1872. Senator in 1884.
MARY B. DAY.
Member of Auxiliary Committee. Member of Committee on Pag- eant. Member of Children's Committee.
EUGENE B. JORDAN.
Secretary of General Committee. Chairman Committee on Sacred Concert. Town Repre- sentative in 1898. Town Clerk for 31 years.
CHAUNCEY HOYT HAYDEN.
Vice-President and Treasurer of General Committee. Chairman of Historical Committee. Chairman of Banquet Com- mittee. Town Representative in 1906.
5
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
Classical Institute. Graduated from the University of Vermont in 1883, receiving the degree of Master of Arts in 1886. He m. M. Alice Lane, Nov. 25, 1886.
Was principal of Underhill Academy, Hinesburg Academy, Essex Junction Graded School, Essex Classical Institute and Underhill Graded School. . Served as superintendent of schools in Jericho for 3 years and in Essex for 4 years. Has also conducted business interests since 1894, general merchandise and undertak- ing. Has been selectman, also lister and was representative from Jericho in the Legislature of 1906. (See Hayden genealogy).
MR. EUGENE B. JORDAN, Secretary.
Eugene B. Jordan was b. in Winooski, Vt., Feb. 27, 1863. Educated in the public schools, finished with a course in the busi- ness college. Moved to Jericho in 1884, at which time his older brother Henry formed with him a partnership under the firm title of Jordan Bros., doing an excellent general merchandise business until the present time. Has held many positions of responsibility ; has been town clerk since 1884, a period of 32 years. Mr. Jordan represented Jericho in the Legislature of 1898. (See Jordan genealogy).
MR. LAFAYETTE WILBUR.
Mr. Wilbur was b. in Waterville, May 15, 1834. Educated in the public schools, attending the academies at Bakersfield, Fair- fax, Underhill Center and Morrisville. Taught school in Fairfax, Underhill and Elmore. Studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1856. Commenced the practice of law in Jericho in Jan., 1857. With the exception of a few years spent in Burlington has since resided in town. Has held many positions of trust and responsi- bility. Has devoted much time in the interest of the town library. Has edited the life of LaFayette Wilbur and family genealogy, one volume, and the early History of Vermont in four volumes. He m. Mercy Jane Morse, Jan. 9, 1861. (See Wilbur genealogy).
MR. LUTHER C. STEVENS.
Mr. Luther C. Stevens was b. in Underhill Jan. 24, 1845, was educated in the public schools and Underhill Center Academy, 2
6
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
afterwards graduating from Burlington High School. As a young man was always scholarly and greatly interested in edu- cational matters. For about 30 years Mr. Stevens has served as a school director in Jericho, giving freely of his time and genius, and now has the satisfaction of seeing the public school system equal to that in any of the neighboring towns. Mr. Stevens is also a writer of ability. (See Stevens genealogy).
REV. SAMUEL HORACE BARNUM.
Rev. Samuel H. Barnum was b. in West Springfield, Mass., April 7, 1852. Educated in New Haven, Conn., graduated at Yale in 1875, and at Yale Theological Seminary in 1879. He was ordained to the Christian ministry, April 25, 1883. Mr. Barnum m., July 13, 1882, Miss S. Pauline Little, dau. of Thos. D. and Susan Smith Little of Salisbury, N. H.
Mr. and Mrs. Barnum settled in Jericho in 1907, and he is the pastor of the First Congregational Church at Jericho Center. He is a preacher of recognized ability, an excellent pastor and an exceptionally clear and entertaining writer. (See Barnum genealogy).
MR. FRANK S. JACKSON.
Mr. Jackson was b. in Jericho Dec. 20, 1859. Educated in the public schools, attended Underhill Academy and Essex Classi- cal Institute. Remained with his parents upon the farm until the demise of his mother in 1894. After this the farm was rented and Mr. Jackson engaged in the lumber business in Mass., where he continued until 1912, when he returned to the home farm, which he has since managed. Early in life Mr. Jackson held positions of trust, being selectman several years, and in 1914 was elected representative to the Legislature, in which capacity he served the town well. (See Jackson genealogy).
REV. A. H. STURGES.
Mr. Sturges was b. in Fairfield, Vt., April 7, 1864. Edu- cated in the public schools, the Select Schools, East Fairfield, and Brigham Academy, Bakersfield. Studied for the ministry under the direction of the Vermont Conference of the Methodist Episco-
LUTHER CATLIN STEVENS. Member of ' General Committee. Member of Historical Com- mittee. Chairman Committee on Markers. Chairman Chil- dren's Committee. School Com- mitteeman for a decade.
REV. SAMUEL HORACE BARNUM. Member of General Committee. Member of Historical Com- mittee. Chairman of Com- mittee on Church Services. Chairman of Old Home Day Committee.
REV. A. H. STURGES. Member of the General Com- mittee. Member of the Com- mittee on Church Services. Member of Old Home Day Com- mittee.
FRANK S. RANSOM.
Member of the General Com- mittee. Member of Committee on Markers. Member of Com- mittee on Old Home Day. Town Representative in 1912.
THEODORE BAILEY WILLIAMS. Member of General Committee. Member of Committee on Floats and Pageants. Member of School Board.
7
HISTORY OF JERICHO, VERMONT.
pal Church. He was licensed to preach in 1899 and was sent to Binghamville, where he remained seven years. His next charge was Underhill and Jericho, this being the eighth year on this charge. Few pastors have ever given better satisfaction than Mr. Sturges. He m. Miss Alma F. McGovern, Oct. 30, 1884. (See Sturges genealogy).
MR. FRANK S. RANSOM.
Mr. Frank S. Ransom was b. in Jericho, Jan. 8, 1857. Edu- cated in the public schools and Jericho Academy. He is an architect and contractor. Mr. Ransom served as road commis- sioner for Jericho several years, was selectman for 3 years and is at present lister. He represented the town in the Legislature of 1912. First m. Ida M. Doty, June 2, 1880, now deceased. Mr. Ransom m. Miss Mary L. Church, Jan. 20, 1886. (See Ransom genealogy).
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